Sr. Controls Engineer

FORTNA; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

FORTNA, a global leader in automated distribution solutions, seeks a Sr. Controls Engineer to drive design, functionality and testing of upper-level automated sortation systems.

Lead and assist in design and programming of new projects, diagnosing controls I/O, hardware, and software, and mentor junior engineers. Responsibilities include modular PLC code, HMI development with Ignition, design reviews, commissioning, and coordinating with customers and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or comparable.
• 4–7 years in industrial controls with PLC programming, HMI programming, and electrical design.

Responsibilities

• Write and implement modular PLC code and assist in on-site controls tasks.
• Design and develop HMI using Ignition.
• Implement PLC and HMI programs to meet current design and customer specs.
• Coordinate with customers and third-party vendors during design and execution.
• Review electrical designs and provide accurate as-built drawings.
• Commission and troubleshoot complex automated systems and support site engineering.
• Support system commissioning efforts as required.

Skills

Self-motivation

Detail-oriented

Team leadership

Troubleshooting I/O

Project management

Communication

Leadership to juniors

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Ignition SCADA

Siemens TIA Portal

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Ignition

Job description

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn’t just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. “Join the Movement” encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves.Our Team. Our Passion.Our Approach.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Sr. Controls Engineer will be responsible for driving design, functionality and testing of upper-level automated sortation systems. The candidate must lead and assist in the design and programming of new projects. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate skillsets for diagnosing and solving controls related issues involving I/O, hardware (Controller setup, VFDs, Comms devices) and software (PLC and HMI) feedback along with best practices electrical troubleshooting techniques. This position requires providing leadership, guidance and mentoring to junior level engineers and contractors. The Sr. Controls Engineer is responsible for supporting other members of the FORTNA controls group to ensure accurate documentation, proper system functionality, adherence to approved design and customer specifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Write and implement modular and reuseable PLC code and assist in all on-site controls engineering tasks.
• Design and develop “Human Machine Interface” (HMI) using commercially available products such as Ignition.
• Implement PLC and HMI programs to satisfy current design and customer specifications.
• Work with FORTNA employees, customer representatives and third-party vendors to ensure all aspects of a project are considered during both the design and execution phases
• Review electrical designs and provide accurate as-built drawings for approval.
• Individually or as a team, commission and troubleshoot complex automated systems, provide site engineering support, and complete system acceptance testing.
• Provide support of system commissioning efforts as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or comparable.
• 4-7 years of experience within an industrial controls environment which includes:
  • PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT, LD, ST, SCL)
  • HMI Programming (Ignition SCADA, Siemens Unified Comfort)
  • Input and output device design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
  • Industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
  • Low voltage electrical design and drawing understanding and creation.
• Equivalent work experience will also be considered as a substitute for education.
• Experience with VFDs preferred (networked a plus).
• Experience with Microsoft 365 - Office Apps.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must be self-motivated, self-aware, detail-oriented, and results-focused.
• Understanding of VFDs, induction motors, programmable logic controllers and industrial networks.
• Demonstrates understanding of project management, service management, or relationship management principles.
• Abilities and knowledge in practices and techniques gained through experience and exposure to complex and diverse techniques, theories, and principles.
• Ability to troubleshoot and isolate controls I/O problems
• Schedule, manage, and execute basic system implementations, enhancements, and retrofits.
• Collaborate and communicate with FORTNA team members, project managers and customers in a professional written and spoken manner.
• Provide direction and leadership to Jr. level controls engineers and contractors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc.
When traveling the job environment shifts to a site-based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.

TRAVEL:

This position requires up to 70-80% travel to various sites.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders
• Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment
• Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive.
• Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.